Program Funded by $40,000 Grant From the Verizon Foundation

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Domestic violence survivors will have an opportunity to receive job-skills training and financial education through a new My Sister's House program, thanks to a $40,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon.

The Sisters Achieving Self-Sufficiency Program will increase self-empowerment through education for women and families victimized by domestic violence, which can create serious obstacles that prevent survivors from achieving economic security and self-sufficiency.

"My Sister's House is so grateful for Verizon's support and commitment to help women economically and personally rebuild their lives from domestic violence," said Nilda Valmores, My Sister's House executive director. "This grant will help My Sister's House aid domestic violence survivors through the Sisters Achieving Self Sufficiency Program, which includes its Women to Work project."

Domestic violence survivors enrolled in the program will attend at least one 16-week session of the Women to Work project. To make the transition into a stable job or an upgraded occupation, participants will receive support including group therapy; one-on-one mentoring and case management; utilization of Sacramento Works Career Centers; and additional training from community colleges, adult schools and specialized certification programs. The curriculum will be culturally sensitive and reach populations less likely to see assistance through traditional service agencies.

"My Sister's House programs have been the catalyst needed to inspire women to make life-changing decisions," said Kevin Zavaglia, region president for Verizon Wireless. "We are proud to support an organization that has a proven record of success in domestic violence awareness, prevention and survivor support."

The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

About My Sister's House

My Sister's House seeks to eliminate domestic violence in the Asian and Pacific Islander community through family education, and by increasing the self-determination of Asian and Pacific Islander women. The mission of My Sister's House is to serve the needs of Asian and Pacific Islander women and children impacted by domestic violence by providing a culturally appropriate and responsive safe haven and community services.

About Verizon Communications Inc.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 89 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon

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